Scaffolding
Scaffolding involves building upon a students prior knowledge. One way to determine students prior knowledge is to conduct a pretest or prerequisites assessment. Would you agree?
gene ,
Frequent assessment helps you understand what students understand and what they are still having difficulties with. Nice job.
think that short, frequent tests, templates, rubrics & team projects help immensely
Joseph ,
When we build upon what the students arleady know, we can take them to a higher level. Thanks for your input.
Competence in predtermined prior knowledge through pretesting and prerequisites are ways of evaluating whether a student has internalized prior knowledge that is essential for next level learning.
Robin ,
I typically do a pre-test of the content - diagnostic test. That way I know how quickly or slowly I can cover particular content.
Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I think that we should try to get an assessment of the student's knowledge coming into the class. To some extent required prerequisites can help to make sure students have a certain level of knowledge. Doing some type of pretesting could help the instructor assess this. In classes I teach, I ask students what prior knowledge they have of the subject matter. I've created a first assignment that helps to do this as well.
Denise,
Right - everything builds on something else. Keep the scaffolding going. ;-)
I had not heard this term in relation to teaching before but I really like it. I like the fact that students are to build on their experience from one class to another.
It is important to complete a pretest to see where your students are in the learning process. You may need to go back and review certain topics from the previous course to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Denise Hyanes
Nicholas,
Yes, pre-tests serve as a diagnostic assessment to see where the students are "coming from." I like that fact that you call and talk to students as well. That helps establish a relationship.
LaMonica,
You are right. It is good for everyone to know where everyone is "coming from." Thanks!
Pretests are great ways to determine a students prior knowledge. It is also helpful to understand the background of students. I find that asking them to post brief bios or making initial calls at the beginning of a course really helps me get a feel from where the students are coming from.
That is a great example of Scaffolding that gives both the instructor and the student a guage as to where they are. It is a good tool to use to learn something about the student. It also breaks the ice in some cases.
Douglas,
You are right. There are many ways. We all have to find what works for us. Thanks for your input.
Esther,
I do agree to a large extent, but across the spectrum there are many ways to determine characteristics and knowledge by learners. The Socratic Method and dialog works well, too.
I hope that helps!
Doug
Douglas,
I too use a pre-test as a diagnostic measure of "where students are coming from." It helps me understand how quickly or slowly I may need to cover or uncover material. Thanks!
Garry,
Your are right. Time is, well I was going to say money, but time is time. :-) It's valuable. Thanks from you input.
Yes determining a students prior knowledge is critical to the success of the student in your course. I like to conduct a pretest to determin the prerequisites the student has as we start a course together so that I can make sure I provide content to meet their individual needs.
That's very true. But there is something to be said for being discerning with student's time. The ease and efficiency of an exam can give a great deal of information quickly so that we can assess how far back we need to cover in the subject matter.
From my perspective both quality and time efficiency should hold weight.
Dennis,
Yes, as long as what they "see" is tied to the learning outcomes and they understand they need to improve upon their weakness to achieve those outcomes. Nice job.
